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Federal Aid Programs for Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Declaration

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, commonwealth and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the commonwealth.)
Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for commonwealth benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; commonwealth administered.)
Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

Affected individuals and business owners in designated areas can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

Assistance for the Commonwealth and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to eligible commonwealth and local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, commonwealth administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, commonwealth administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by commonwealth, and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, commonwealth administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for commonwealth, and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/commonwealth applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the commonwealth from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

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Federal Aid Programs for Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Declaration

Procurement – Reasonable Costs

Main Content

Appeal Brief | Appeal Letter | Appeal Analysis | Back

Second Appeal Brief

1603
PA ID# 071-02E99-00; St. Mary’s Academy
PW ID# 17387; Procurement – Reasonable Costs
08/04/2015

Conclusion: The contract security services performed at St. Mary’s Academy were improperly procured pursuant to 2 C.F.R. Part 215; however, the actual costs were reasonable under OMB Circular A-122.

Summary Paragraph

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused extensive damage to St. Mary’s Academy. FEMA determined that the facility was eligible for replacement. The Applicant relocated the school to a temporary location and contacted security service firms via phone and email requesting bid proposals. Based on the proposals, the Applicant selected three security firms for services from August 2007 to July 2010. FEMA prepared several versions of PW 17387, obligating actual costs. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) subsequently performed OIG Audit DD-11-15, which found that the Applicant improperly procured security services by not allowing open competition. The OIG recommended that FEMA deobligate all funding. FEMA concurred with the OIG’s finding, but awarded reasonable costs, which FEMA determined to be the lowest rates among the proposals, deobligating $75,862.86. In its first appeal, the Applicant argued that it properly procured security services and that the actual costs were reasonable. FEMA denied the first appeal, finding that the Applicant did not properly procure the services, further deobligating $40,089.77 based on new information submitted in response to the Request for Information. The Applicant reiterates its first appeal position on second appeal.

Authorities and Second Appeals

2 C.F.R. § 215.0(b)(3) (2005).
2 C.F.R. § 215.1.
2 C.F.R. § 215.43.
2 C.F.R. § 215.44.
2 C.F.R. § 215.45.
2 C.F.R. § 215.46.
OMB Circular A-122.
Second Appeal Analysis, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc., FEMA-4029-DR-TX.

Headnotes

Per 2 C.F.R. § 215.1, Part 215 establishes uniform administrative requirements for grants awarded to Private Non-Profits. § 215.0(b)(3) states that, where state and local governments provide subawards to a PNP, Part 215 applies.
- The Applicant is a PNP.
2 C.F.R. § 215.43 requires that all procurement transactions be conducted in a manner to provide open and free competition, awards be made to the bidder whose bid is responsive to the solicitation, and solicitations clearly set forth all requirements to the bidder.
- The Applicant did not provide documentation showing that it solicited bids from multiple companies.
- The Applicant, nonetheless, selected bidders who were responsive.
Section 215.44 outlines procurement procedures.
- The Applicant did not demonstrate that it had written procurement procedures.
- The Applicant considered and selected small, minority-owned, and/or women-owned businesses, where practicable.
- The Applicant utilized fixed-price contracts with a set number of guards at flat rates and selected responsible contractors who possessed the potential to perform successfully.
- The Applicant did provide FEMA with procurement documents upon request.
Section 215.46 requires retention of procurement records containing the basis for contract selection, justification for lack of competition, and basis for award cost or price.
- The Applicant did not provide records.
Section 215.62 allows FEMA to use legally available remedies when an applicant fails to comply. OMB Circular A-122 states that a cost is reasonable if it does not exceed that which a prudent person in the same situation would incur.
- The Applicant provided supporting documentation establishing that the selected rates were reasonable.

Excerpt from:

Procurement – Reasonable Costs

Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Store in Guadalupe County, Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – As Texans rebuild or repair their homes damaged by the May 4 through June 22 storms, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA specialists will be on hand in Guadalupe County at in-store information centers to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you’re thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

Advisors will be available at the following location on dates and times noted:

Location and hours of operation

Home Depot

1360 N IH 35

New Braunfels, TX 78130

Aug. 6 -11 Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and cleaning up mold and mildew. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Texans who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the National Flood Insurance Program call center at 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CDT) Monday through Friday. Specialists can help service claims, provide general information regarding policies, and offer technical assistance to aid in recovery.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation, for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba6.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Original source:

Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Store in Guadalupe County, Texas

Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following Texas Storm Damage

As important as it is to make home repairs as soon as possible following a natural disaster, it also is important to take some time to plan the project, consult with local officials and choose a contractor wisely.

Before You Start:

Contact the local permitting office. Follow all local and state requirements.
Check with your local building official to make sure your work is safe and meets all local and state requirements.

How to Help Reduce Future Damage:

Consider using building materials that are more resistant to flood, wind, corrosion and decay.
If siding or roof sheathing needs replacement, consider installing hurricane/seismic connectors at the rafter-to-wall or truss-to-wall connections. Adding wall-to-foundation ties may also be possible.
Windows, doors and skylights should be checked for leaks. If they need replacement, consider impact-resistant units.
Check your attic for adequate insulation. Straps should be added from rafters to wall top plates, and gable end-wall framing should be braced.
Inspect soffits to determine if structural upgrades are necessary.
If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate and appliances.

How to Select Your Contractor Carefully:

The Texas Attorney General advises watching out for home improvement scammers saying they have left over materials or say they noticed your home was damaged and can repair it. Take your time to choose your contractor.
Look for a contractor with an established physical address.
Get bids from more than one person. Make sure they are in writing and specify exactly what will be done.
Beware of a low-ball price.
Ask for references and contact them.
Make sure the contractor has the proper licenses and insurance coverage required in Texas.
Never pay the full price in advance.

For more information and tips on home repair, FEMA provides information online www.FEMA.gov/Texas-disaster-mitigation. You can also visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center; find one online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following Texas Storm Damage

Scope of Work

Main Content

Appeal Brief | Appeal Letter | Appeal Analysis | Back

Second Appeal Brief

1909
PA ID# 125-U00B3-00; Clarksville Gas and Water
PW ID# 5451; Scope of Work
07/31/2015

Conclusion: Pursuant to the Stafford Act § 406(e) and 44 C.F.R. Parts 9 and 10, the requested scope of work is eligible for PA funding.

Summary Paragraph

Beginning on April 30, 2010, severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rains, high winds, flooding, and flash flooding caused the creek bed of Sycamore Creek to erode and the Applicant’s gas pipes to become exposed. During the final review of Project Worksheet (PW) 5451, FEMA denied funding for the directional boring method used by the Applicant to restore its natural gas pipes because it determined that the process was not the most cost effective method and there was no regulatory requirement for it. Instead, FEMA obligated PW 5451 to excavate the embankment areas, remove the pipes, relocate the pipes, and backfill the embankment areas. In the first appeal letter, the Applicant asserted that there was no conclusive evidence that the pipes were not damaged, the existing pipes could not have been reused, and natural gas regulations require operators to bury pipes in a safe manner that would prevent the pipes from becoming uncovered. The Applicant also asserted that, due to winter weather and time constraints, directional boring was the only method that would prevent future exposure. The Region IV Regional Administrator (RA) denied $559,964.86 in additional funding to complete the project as it was neither necessary nor cost effective, and the Applicant failed to provide a regulatory justification for the additional work performed during the restoration of its gas pipes located below Sycamore Creek. In the second appeal, the Applicant asserts that simply replacing the lost creek bed material to pre-disaster condition was not possible because this method does not comply with federal natural gas line regulations and is prohibited by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation requirements. In addition, the Applicant claims the only available option was to utilize directional boring due to winter weather and time constraints. Pursuant to the Stafford Act § 406(e) and 44 C.F.R. Parts 9 and 10, the requested scope of work is eligible for PA funding.

Authorities and Second Appeals

Stafford Act § 406, 42 U.S.C. § 5172.
44 C.F.R. Parts 9 and 10.
44 C.F.R. § 206.201(m).
44 C.F.R. § 206.205(b)(2).
PA Guide, at 116, 127, 128.

Headnotes
- The Stafford Act § 406(e)(1) authorizes FEMA to reimburse the costs to repair, restore, or replace a damaged facility to its predisaster design, function, and capacity in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
- Pursuant to Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (44 C.F.R.) Parts 9 and 10, FEMA must consider and comply with Federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders that have EHP implications.
  - Regarding PW 5451, FEMA EHP reviewed and approved a scope of work that utilized the directional boring method.
  - The scope subsequently was changed utilizing the open cut method for repair and a new EHP review was not conducted.
  - FEMA is not authorized to provide funding for the revised scope that was neither reviewed nor approved by an EHP reviewer.

As the project is otherwise eligible for PA funding, FEMA is authorized to provide funding for the original scope of work utilizing the directional boring method.

Original article –

Scope of Work

Texans: Please Share Disaster Recovery Info with Friends and Neighbors

AUSTIN, Texas — Word of mouth is a powerful way to spread news. Amazing as it may seem, some people are so busy with their recovery, they haven’t heard about federal help. You could be the one to bring this important message to someone you know, perhaps a friend, neighbor, co-worker, family member or acquaintance.

Tell your neighbors they may be eligible for a grant to help them pay for home repairs or to replace personal property ruined by the severe storms and flooding between May 4 and June 22. These grants do not have to be repaid. People affected by the disaster may also have an opportunity to take out a low-interest disaster recovery loan.

Encourage your friends to register for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This helps individuals, households, the whole community and the state of Texas recover faster and stronger.

Sometimes people don’t register for reasons based on rumors. Here are some rumors you may hear and the facts you could share to help your friends and neighbors understand their options:

“If I receive aid, I’m taking it away from someone who is in worse shape than I am and needs it more.” Sufficient funds are available to assist every eligible individual and household in Texas.
“I can’t get aid. My income is too high.” Everyone with disaster-related losses who lives in a county designated for Individual Assistance should register to find out if they are eligible for recovery help. There is no income test for some types of aid.
“I have insurance. I’m not eligible for FEMA help.” People with insurance should register. FEMA may be able to give you a grant for expenses not covered by your insurance. Register now even if you are still waiting for your insurance settlement.
“I’m a renter. Aid isn’t available for renters.” Renters should register if they lost or had damage to any necessary personal property, such as a vehicle or a computer used for school.

Homeowners, renters and businesses in the 47 Texas counties currently designated for Individual Assistance can apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

The deadline to register is Aug. 27.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/.

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The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Source:

Texans: Please Share Disaster Recovery Info with Friends and Neighbors

Additional Damage May Mean Additional Assistance for Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – Many Oklahomans have already registered with the Federal Management Agency for disaster assistance to repair their damaged homes, but as they may have experienced multiple rounds of storms and be eligible for additional assistance, they should call FEMA to request a re-inspection.

On July 21, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and FEMA expanded the disaster declaration timeline to run from May 5 to June 22. Survivors who incurred damage from May 5 to June 4, and then incurred further damage from June 5 to June 22, should call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to report the additional damage and request a re-inspection, particularly if the inspection was held before July 21. This will allow FEMA to address any disaster-related damage that occurred from June 5 to June 22.

Disaster help for eligible applicants may include grants for rental assistance or temporary housing, home repairs and serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. The latter might include help with medical, dental, funeral, repair or replacement of personal property including vehicles, and moving and storage expenses.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans are available to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations and homeowners and renters for losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources.

Survivors in all 45 designated counties (Adair, Atoka, Beckham, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Choctaw, Cleveland, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Delaware, Garvin, Grady, Hughes, Jefferson, Johnston, Kiowa, Latimer, Le Flore, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Marshall, Mayes, McClain, McCurtain, McIntosh, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole, Stephens, Tillman, Tulsa and Wagoner) who sustained losses or damage from storms that occurred between May 5 and June 22 are urged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. Having contacted any non-FEMA organization or agency does not count as a registration with FEMA.

Register online with any computer, smartphone or tablet at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

The deadline for registering with FEMA is August 26.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4222 or visit the OEM site at www.oem.ok.gov.

Original article:

Additional Damage May Mean Additional Assistance for Oklahomans

Portlight Strategies and FEMA Partner to Address Disability Accessibility and Disaster Preparedness

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Portlight Strategies (Portlight) announced an agreement that will increase preparedness awareness for people with disabilities in the event of natural or man-made disasters. The agreement aligns with FEMA’s commitment to inclusive emergency management by partnering with disability organizations and community leaders who serve the whole community at the local level.

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are also reinforcing our commitment to serving the whole community before, during and after disasters,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “By having preparedness plans and thinking ahead, individuals, families and communities will be ready to respond to these events when they occur.”

The new partnership will bolster working relationships with state, local, tribal and territorial emergency managers to encourage including people with disabilities in planning. It will also provide information so people understand the disaster risks in their area. By evaluating their own individual needs and making an emergency plan that ﬁts those needs, people can be better prepared.

Some key highlights from the agreement show that FEMA and Portlight will:

Participate in training events and natural and simulation exercises, drills, and discussions focused on emergency preparedness and lessening the impact of disasters;
Share operational practices that work well and that may be adapted to make improvements in service delivery and support community resilience and accessibility for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs; and
Share research-based emergency management data and information and training experience and expertise before, during, and after disasters.

“We’re excited about this next important step in our relationship with FEMA and the ways it will enhance our ability to serve the disability community in times of disaster,” said Paul Timmons Jr., Portlight Co-founder and Board Chair. “It embodies our philosophy that there must be nothing about us without us.”

The primary mission of Portlight Strategies, Inc. (Portlight) is to provide disaster relief and recovery services specifically for people with disabilities and to facilitate accessible services—compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)—from all providers, whether governmental or non-governmental.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Portlight Strategies and FEMA Partner to Address Disability Accessibility and Disaster Preparedness

By the Numbers: More than $306 Million Flows to Texas Two Months After Flooding Disaster

AUSTIN, Texas – Federal dollars are flowing into Texas communities recovering from the May 4 through June 22 storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and floods.

To date, more than $306 million in federal grants, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans, and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims have been approved.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), partners in the state’s recovery, provide the following summary of disaster assistance efforts as of close of business July 29:

NUMBER ACTIVITY

$202.7 million NFIP claims paid to Texans

$57.7 million SBA low-interest disaster loans

$45.8 million Housing, Other Needs grants

1,034 FEMA Registrations

24,534 Home inspections completed

48,223 Survivor visits by Disaster Survivor Assistance teams

11,266 Twitter followers on FEMA Region 6 site

7,787 Visits to Disaster Recovery Centers (fixed and mobile)

5,000 Volunteers contributed 52,000 hours to disaster recovery activities

4,650 National Flood Insurance Program claims closed to dat

3,941 Calls to date by Texans to the National Flood Insurance Center hotline

795 Number of federal workers in Texas assisting with disaster recovery

264 Billboard and outdoor electronic signs displaying FEMA information

91 Total number of counties designated for Public Assistance

47 Total number of counties designated for Individual Assistance

24 Mobile Registration Intake and Mobile Disaster Recovery centers opened during disaster

18 Disaster Recovery Centers (fixed) opened during disaster

The deadline to register with FEMA is Aug. 27. To register for assistance, Texans can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing-impaired. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time daily, until further notice. More information is available online at www.fema.gov or at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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By the Numbers: More than $306 Million Flows to Texas Two Months After Flooding Disaster

Federal Disaster Aid to Local Governments Helping Rebuild Arkansas Communities

NORTH LITTL ROCK — Federal officials today estimated more than $6 million in disaster assistance will help fund local governments’ storm recovery from this spring’s severe weather.

That funding is in addition to nearly $2 million in federal disaster assistance to date that has helped individuals, families and businesses repair property and replace essential possessions.

When disaster strikes, the first response is to ensure personal and family safety and then address the loss of property and possessions. The federal Individual Assistance program responds to these urgent needs of individuals and business owners.

Public Assistance is another essential element of disaster response. The PA program benefits everyone – neighborhoods, cities and states, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations.

PA dollars:

clean up the community and repair bridges
put water systems and utilities back in order
repair hospitals and emergency services
rebuild libraries and replace damaged books
rebuild schools and universities and
restore damaged public parks so families can enjoy them again.

PA provides a minimum of 75 percent of the cost to repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure.

FEMA estimates the federal share of more than $1.8 million will help reimburse local governments for the emergency work and debris removal that took place in the storm’s immediate aftermath. Other PA projects are now being developed and approved by local, state, and federal officials. The estimated cost when complete is more than $4.1 million.

“Public Assistance grants support the work that helps an entire community recover,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy M. Casper. “These are federal tax dollars coming back to Arkansas to rebuild taxpayer-funded infrastructure.”

Public Assistance grant recipients can include:

state agencies
local and county governments
private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities that provide essential government-type services

Recovery officials are currently working with more than 65 applicants to develop specifications and costs for about 75 projects in the 28 counties eligible for disaster assistance.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Link:

Federal Disaster Aid to Local Governments Helping Rebuild Arkansas Communities

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